Scottish Executive

Prison Service

Bristow Muldoon (Livingston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any progress has been made by the Scottish Prison Service in identifying sites for the two new prisons announced in September 2002 following the prison estates review.

Cathy Jamieson: I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

  Since the conclusion of the estates review in September 2002, the Scottish Prison Service has identified two preferred sites for the development of the new prisons announced at that time. One of the preferred sites is at Low Moss, East Dunbartonshire, where we have intimated to the planning authority our intention to develop.

  We have also entered into formal discussions with West Lothian Council for the possible acquisition of a site at Addiewell in West Lothian.